Let's start with this:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHz (4 CPUs)
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Hard Drive: 1 TB Total
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Sound Card: Realtek HD Audio output
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090804-1435)
Since when I bought it last Christmas this computer has not had the performances I would have expected, not just with NWN or POTM but in general. Since it's still under guarantee I'm just going to the store and speak to the guys who made/assembled it.
Now I tell you what my problems have been so far:
a) When using a music player (I-Tunes specifically) the game becomes very laggy.
b) the FPS, unless playing it at MINIMUM settings, don't go past 40, but they're usually around the range 5-20.
c) point b) happens also with other games (Sims3 and Dragon Age have really bad performances even with low graphic settings).
d) when checking in task manager the core used by NWN goes to 100% of usage, but the overall CPU usage is 25%.
e) some other games simply don't even run.
I have tried whatever all the people here, in game, or in my X-fire have suggested and still I don't see MUCH difference between "Gwyneth" and my very old computer "Puppuccio" (a pentium IV, 1 GB RAM, crappy base NVIDIA graphic card). No fixes. My clues at this point are these, and this is also what I will ask for the guys at the store to do:
I) Uninstalling XP for Windows 7, possibly the graphic card can have some incompatibility with the OS since it's definitely newer, and it can receive also more updates (like the DirectX).
II) Having some more RAM, maybe 1 or 2 more GB so to improve performances overall.
III) Uninstalling the Realtek sound card and having installed a separate one (maybe a Soundmax with which I had never issues with my older computers).
These are going to be my "strategies" in the next few days. Any suggestions? I will keep you updated.
F.